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December 27th, 2014 13:00

A hidden PCI-E slot on Dell Optiplex 740 SFF?

This is the second Dell gear that i got in my life. First one was a XPS Dimension B733.

Well, i upgraded it's video card and i noticed a slot that seems like a PCI-E 1x, near graphics slot (16X).

I got the thin version of Optiplex 740 (Small Form Factor), viewing specs doesn't mention that has a PCI-E 1x but refers a DVI adapter that was intended to fill that slot. I got the DVI adapter, but it only used the PCI-E 16x slot, it was leaving the other free since i got the computer.

My question is if i can use that slot as a data port (i.e USB 3.0 card, obviously it has no external exit due to video card) or is a proprietary port. Power issues and space are not a problem.

10 Elder

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44.3K Posts

December 27th, 2014 23:00

The manual says the 740 SFF has one PCI-e x16 slot and one PCI slot:

PCI specs:
card size: low profile
connector size: 124 pins
connector data width: (maximum) 32 bits

So you should be able to install a PCI card in that slot (not PCI-e). And you can remove the slot cover from the rear PC panel to allow access to whatever ports are on the add-in PCI card.

December 28th, 2014 09:00

I'm not talking about white PCI slot but the 36 pin black slot near PCI-E 16x slot, pointed as DVI card slot in manual.

Physically this is identical to a PCI-E 1x and i'm asking if is useful as an ordinary PCI-E 1x slot.

December 28th, 2014 11:00

I know the difference between a PCI and a PCI-E slot. I'm not talking about the PCI slot but the DVI card slot near PCI-E 16x slot.

I'm asking if it can be used as a 1x PCI-E slot or is proprietary.  It has space for a USB 3.0 card (without bracket), but i need to know if that slot is exclusive for a motherboard function or not.

Community Manager

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54.9K Posts

December 28th, 2014 13:00

Dell Optiplex 740 #19 Optional DVI card connector (DVI_HDR) is a dedicated slot only for a DVI-add in card. The DVI-add card is an add-in expansion card that allows the customer to use a DVI display with the integrated video controller. The DVI-add card acts as a pass-through device between the attached DVI display and the integrated video. The DVI-add card can also be used to configure a dual-monitor solution.

9 Legend

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47K Posts

December 28th, 2014 14:00

The X16 slot is exclusive for Video.

A card other than that will shutdown with.

You could use the Riser and a PCI card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158359

Dell HX727 G5459 Optiplex 330, 360, 740, 755, 760 PCI/PCI-E Riser Board Assembly for Desktop Systems Bracket Part Number: WY116

  • Compatible with Dell Optiplex 330, 360, 740, 755, 760 Desktop Systems
  • 1 - PCI Slot
  • 1 - PCI-E x16 Slot
  • Assembly Part Number: HX727
  • Board Part Number: G5459; Bracket Part Number: WY116

 


December 29th, 2014 07:00

I'm talking about THAT slot (Number 19 on graphic), not PCI-E 16X nor PCI. I noticed that is not bind to main graphics slot, has an independent task (my DVI adapter never used it, only PCI-E 16X).

Question still available, is really a PCI-E 1x or is just for a dedicated task (DVI adapter)?

9 Legend

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47K Posts

December 29th, 2014 07:00

It is not a pci-e 1X slot and it is exclusively for video. The answer has not changed.  19 is DVI_HDR aka DVI Video.

This is also why I recommended a PCI card because you cannot use any of the PCI-E slots for ANYTHING other than video.  You also do not have any "extra" power connections so you would need a sata Y cable for power to the USB3 card as USB3 requires more power than the PCI or PCI-E bus allows.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158359

 

 

December 29th, 2014 09:00

Number 12 is free. Which number part has (i noticed that is usb)?

9 Legend

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47K Posts

December 29th, 2014 09:00

12 is the Flex Bay port for specific card readers. It is not usb3 nor is it pci-e.

W812M 19-Way Media/Flash Memory Card Reader w/ Cable NT424

 

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